Under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, the ILP regime prohibits the entry and regulated migration of outsiders into Arunachal Pradesh.
In a bid to reopen the tourism sector, the Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to withdraw the suspension on issuance of ILP and Protected Area Permits to travelers as the COVID-19 situation is “under control” in the northeastern state, a The minister said on October 1.
The cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, gave its approval for re-opening the state for tourists who have received the COVID vaccine, lifting the suspension on issuance of Inner Line Permit (ILP) and PAP. received both doses, Interior Minister Bamang Felix told reporters. State government spokesman Mr Felix said, “As the COVID situation is currently under control, the cabinet has decided to lift the ban on issuance of ILPs and PAPs and allow tourism activities in the state.”
The administration will issue an advisory on COVID appropriate behavior for passengers.
Under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, the ILP regime prohibited the entry and regulated migration of outsiders into Arunachal Pradesh. “The decision of the cabinet will benefit tour operators, hoteliers, cab operators, homestay owners and all stakeholders associated with tourism as they are facing economic hardship due to the suspension,” the home minister said.
The spokesperson said that the State Cabinet in its meeting on September 30 also approved the proposal for devolution of power (3F – Functions, Funds and Workers) to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
“Under devolution of power to PRIs, a sustainable, participatory, inclusive, comprehensive and empowering” [SPICE] The model to be adopted in the state is the first of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh and in the country as well. We hope that this kind of decentralized system will be accepted by other states in the future,” Mr. Felix said.
A dedicated separate Zilla Parishad fund will also be created under the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj (Acts and Rules) 2018.
At least 10% of the state’s own revenue would be transferred to PRIs, which would be applicable from the next financial year, he said, adding that this would be in addition to the 14th Finance Commission grant.
Felix said PRIs need to improve their ability to receive funding on a “performance-based approach.”
“Government will focus from Gram Swaraj to Harit Swaraj, in which PRIs will be mandated to perform on conservation as Arunachal Pradesh has rich biodiversity with abundant natural resources. Panchayat institutions need to work on Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]”
“Zilla councils will have to prepare green and gender budgets in their estimations to receive grants from the government,” he said. The detailed formula for devolution of powers and functions to local bodies will be unveiled by the Chief Minister on October 8.
He said, ‘Capacity building and training of local leaders will be done by Panchayat Raj Department in next six months. Vigilance and Monitoring Committee will also be constituted at district level.’
The cabinet also approved the recruitment rules for the posts of sub-inspector of motor transport in the state police.
It gave its approval to amend the Arunachal Pradesh Excise Rules, 1994 to introduce an online system for collecting an advance levy of excise duty on alcoholic beverages for bonded godowns.
The spokesman said that the prepaid collection would ensure recovery of excise duty at the point of entry instead of exit of alcoholic beverages and would prevent evasion of revenue.
The cabinet directed the state education department to assess the need for a third language and dialect of tribal communities.
This direction has come in the form of emphasis on local languages and dialects in the New Education Policy 2020.
.